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What to Look Out For When Buying a Used or Pre-Owned Car | Greenville SC | Serving Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, & throughout the Upstate

What to Look Out For When Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle in Greenville, SC

For many drivers, getting a pre-owned or used vehicle may be a better fit for their budget and lifestyle. However, buying a used car can also bring a unique set of issues to watch out for while shopping. Here at Steve White Volkswagen, we want you to have a great car-buying experience, so we're giving you a few tips for when you're shopping. To learn more about what to keep an eye out for, keep reading!

External Issues

It's rare to find a used car without a few scratches or small dents. Depending on your preference, these blemishes may factor into your decision. There are other, more serious issues to look out for, such as rust, when you're looking at a used car. You should also check that all doors and panels match and that all the lights are in working order. These kind of external problems, while they may seem small, can pose more serious issues.

Internal Problems

Like the exterior of a used car, you may find the occasional scratch or tear on the car's interior. While small issues like these don't typically affect the overall experience of the car, you should watch out for any sour smells or broken instruments. These issues can indicate more serious problems, and the last thing you want from a vehicle is a leak or electrical problem.

Mechanical Performance

While minor blemishes aren't typically causes for major concern, mechanical problems are much more serious. If you notice the transmission slipping or a whining belt when you start the vehicle, it's best to avoid that vehicle. It's always a good idea to have a mechanic look over a vehicle if you're unsure about a potential problem. You'll also want to check under the vehicle and under the hood for any leaks.

A smart idea is to run a Carfax report on any used vehicle that you're considering. At Steve White Volkswagen, we offer these reports for all our used vehicles.

Drive Quality

Even if you've found a used vehicle in great condition with no mechanical issues, you may dislike the way it handles – and this is a legitimate reason not to buy a vehicle! Be sure to test drive any vehicle on a variety of streets, as you'll be behind the wheel of your vehicle a lot.

Fair Pricing

Another great idea before purchasing a vehicle is to check its value on Kelley Blue Book. This will give you an accurate estimate based on the year, mileage and condition.

If you have any questions about the used car-buying process or would like to test-drive any used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Steve White Volkswagen at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers from Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and throughout the Upstate.